Crepuscolo: Songs By Ottorino Respighi
BIS, 2022
8/10
Listen to Crepuscolo: Songs By Ottorino Respighi
The esteemed American tenor Timothy Fallon and the inimitable pianist Ammiel Bushakevitz come together for these new recordings of works by Ottorino Respighi, where 27 songs span across 3 decades.
“Deitá Silvane” starts the listen with the elegant and atmospheric keys alongside the soaring pipes that spread out across 5 very animated chapters, and “In alto mare” follows with expressive piano paired with very firm singing that builds into a highly emotive presence.
Further on, “Stornellatrice” finds a dreamy and melodic place to reside, while “Storia breve” brings waves of cascading beauty, where the keys twinkle with much warmth.
Approaching the end, the tense versus calm “Lagrime” has Fallon hitting some very high notes amid Bushakevitz’s precise playing, and “Nebbie” exits the listen with sparse moments in between the sublime interaction between the duo.
A pairing of unparalleled talent, the timbre control here is stunning, and the Mezzo vocals make every note worth repeated listens, even if Respighi’s work is unfamiliar to you.
Travels well with: William Grant Still- Summerland; Joann Falletta- Walton: The Complete Facades